A prosecuting attorney, or “prosecutor,” is a lawyer who represents the state or federal government in criminal proceedings. Prosecutors are involved in almost every step of the criminal process, from issuing charges and filing complaints to conducting witness examinations and overall courtroom management.
A prosecutor’s prime task is to ensure that justice is served in criminal cases. This could be in the form of determining if there is enough evidence to press charges, what those charges should be, and deciding if charges should be brought forward and pursued to completion.
How Does a Prosecuting Attorney Operate?
In order to effectively do their jobs, prosecutors must be familiar with both criminal and civil law. Additionally, they must understand how to manage evidence and procedures in order to get the maximum result for their client—in this case, the government.
At the same time, prosecutors must also be practiced and fluent in courtroom etiquette. Acting as the key intermediary between the government and individuals on trial, prosecutors represent the government’s interests while at the same time maintaining ethical practices of respect for human rights. Prosecutors are often decisive players in plea bargains, determining sentences that are equitable to both the government and the accused.
Making the Difference
At the core, the job of a prosecuting attorney is to protect the public and maintain a sense of justice in the court system. In this way, a prosecutor can make a difference in the lives of many by upholding the law and advocating for the fair adjudication of criminal cases. While a prosecutor certainly has to be knowledgeable of the law, they should also be passionate about upholding a sense of public safety and go beyond sentencing criminals to seek ways to prevent future crime.